In the Japanese version, there are three distinct terms used to refer to those Pokémon which are collectively called legendary in English. One, 伝説のポケモン (densetsu no Pokémon, lit. Pokémon of legend), refers to those which are featured prominently in legends, such as Groudon and Kyogre. The second, 幻のポケモン (maboroshi no Pokémon, lit. Pokémon of illusions, translated as mirage Pokémon in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl), refers to those so rarely seen that some question their very existence, such as Mew and Lugia; an alternative definition restricts it only to Pokémon not available in normal gameplay. The third is 神話のポケモン (shinwa no Pokémon, lit. Pokémon of myth), which is a term applied to some of the legendary Pokémon of Sinnoh.

Characteristics of legendary Pokémon

In the games, the player typically has only one chance to capture a legendary Pokémon, but the same species have appeared in more than one game. Their genders are usually unknown, with the exception of Latios, Latias, Heatran and Cresselia. With the exception of Phione and Manaphy, they will refuse to be bred by Trainers, and, for similar reasons, they are often banned from competitions. They are statistically some of the most powerful Pokémon in the game. They never evolve, and many are one-third of a legendary trio.

In the anime, legendary Pokémon are generally held in higher regard than they are in the games, nearing a god-like reverence. They appear only to special Trainers (usually the case of Ash Ketchum). Very few people have actually seen legendary Pokémon. Because of their rarity, they are sought after by trainers and collectors, especially by villainous teams like Team Rocket.

It has been predicted (and demonstrated) that the capture of certain legendary Pokémon can lead to great catastrophe, as they often hold a pivotal role in nature. But some speculate that if a trainer were to "play by the rules," the results would not be as chaotic. Noland, for example, befriended and fought official battles with an Articuno and its power never exceeded him. It should be noted, however, that Noland is a very skilled trainer.

As seen with Lugia, some breed in the wild; as seen with Celebi, they are neither immortal nor invincible; and only very few (notably Mewtwo) are unique.

List of legendary Pokémon

There are 35 Pokémon considered to be legendary Pokémon, and there are several more with certain characteristics of legendary Pokémon.

Legendary birds

There are three legendary birds, also referred to as winged mirages. The legendary birds are each based off a mythical bird.

As shown in the second movie, should the three birds be disturbed and turned against each other, they will fight over territory, and, left unabated, their battles will ultimately cause the end of the world. They represent nature's balance and are tied to Lugia. They are strongly linked to the elements fire, ice, and lightning— forces that when combined are believed to yield both the origin of life and the cause of apocalyptic weather disasters. Some fans believe that this scenario applies only to the three birds found near Shamouti Island in the Orange Archipelago, and that this characteristic does not extend to their species.

In Pokémon Snap, it was shown that the legendary birds could breed, as the player could hatch them from eggs around Pokémon Island by introducing the eggs to their corresponding element. In Pokémon XD it's possible to snag all three birds, whom are all under the ownership of Greevil.

Zapdos is the legendary bird of thunder. It can be found at the Power Plant in the Generation I games and their Generation III remakes. In addition to the one in the Orange Islands, a second one was seen in the Johto region in the episode As Clear As Crystal, and a third was seen in the credits of Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the sea, flying Jack Walker after he captured it with his Capture Styler. A fourth one that was spotted by Team Rocket in Sinnoh in Doc Brock!.

Mew and Mewtwo

Mew is the Psychic feline Pokémon of ancient legend. It is not obtainable by normal means in any game; however, a glitch allows the player to battle and capture Mew in Generation I. In Pokémon Emerald, a Nintendo event gave out the Old Sea Map that would take the player to Faraway Island, where Mew could be caught. In My Pokémon Ranch, it is possible to obtain a Mew after depositing 999 Pokémon onto your ranch. It is said to be able to live forever. The DNA of all Pokémon can be traced back to Mew, and thus it represents the origin of life. The bubbly Mew was first seen in the first movie, and later in the special Mewtwo Returns. Another is seen in the eighth movie. A mirage Mew was seen in the Master of Mirage Pokémon.

Mewtwo is a genetically altered, unique clone of Mew. It can be found in the Cerulean Cave in the Generation I games and their remakes. It was statistically the most powerful Pokémon until Generation II. It is also one of the most intelligent, and can communicate freely with humans using telepathy. It is the main character of the first movie, and the Mewtwo Returns and The Birth of Mewtwo specials. After the events of Mewtwo Returns, it is portrayed as taking the cover of night and living amongst humans in big cities.

Generation II featured the advent of three new groups of legendary Pokémon, consisting of a total of six.

Legendary beasts

Raikou, Entei, and Suicune.

The legendary beasts have variously been referred to as legendary dogs or cats, but beasts is the accepted neutral title. These speedy, powerful creatures were created by Ho-Oh after the burning of Brass Tower. Because they are unable to restrain their extreme power, they race headlong around the land. They can be found racing around the Johto region in the Generation II games. One can also be found roaming Kanto, after the player gets the National Pokédex, in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, depending on the starter Pokémon the user chooses at the beginning of the game. In Pokémon Colosseum, it is possible to snag all three legendary beasts from Cipher admins.

Entei is the embodiment of volcanoes. According to legend, one is born every time a new volcano appears. It appears in Kanto in FireRed and LeafGreen if the player started off with Bulbasaur. An Entei was seen in the Johto region, in the episode Entei at Your Own Risk. A telepathic Entei was featured in the third movie, but it was only a manifestation of Molly Hale's imagination, created by the Unown. An Entei is formed from a statue in Fiore when Solana and Lunick reach the Jungle Relic. It comes to life when they complete the last challenge by mistake.

Lugia and Ho-Oh

Lugia and Ho-Oh.

These two additional birds of legend are thought to be closely related, although they are also polar opposites. Ho-Oh is based on the Chinese phoenix, or Fènghuáng and Lugia on the Japanese sea-kami Ryūjin.

Ho-Oh is the Guardian of the Skies. This Pokémon is represented by the sun, the sky, rainbows, the color gold, and awakening. It is said to glow in seven colors and see into the future. It resides at the top of the Tin Tower in the Generation II games. In Pokémon FireRed, LeafGreen, and Emerald, Ho-Oh is found atop Navel Rock. Ho-Oh is often seen at the beginning of a new journey, which happened to Ash three times. The spirit of Ho-Oh represents the Johto League. Ho-Oh is the guardian of the legendary beasts, and it is especially close to Suicune. Ho-oh is obtainable in Pokémon Colosseum by beating the mt. battle in vs. mode.

Lugia is the Guardian of the Sea. It is represented by the moon, the sea, storms, the color silver, and slumber. Lugia can be found in Whirl Islands in the Generation II games. In Pokémon FireRed, LeafGreen, and Emerald, Lugia is found beneath Navel Rock. A Shadow Lugia named XD001 resides in the Orre region in Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, and causes heavoc. He is under the ownership of Greeviland snaggable. Lugia protects the balance of nature, and is the only creature that can pacify the battling legendary birds. One was seen in the second movie. Two more, a parent and a child, were seen near Silver Rock Isle at the beginning of the Whirl Cup arc of the anime. Lugia is the guardian of the legendary birds. In the second movie, Lawrence III mistook Lugia for the Beast of the Sea, which is actually a chaotic underwater current caused when the legendary birds are disturbed.

Celebi

Although it has no relation to Mew, Celebi was dubbed the "New Mew" because of its similar size, shape, stats, and National Pokédex number. Because of this, it is commonly listed with Mew (and later Jirachi, Phione, and Manaphy) in lists of legendary Pokémon.

Legendary golems

The legendary golem-like Regis were featured in the eighth movie as the protectors of the Tree of Beginning, but the true story of their history remains a mystery. They have a strong connection to the fourth Regi and their keeper, Regigigas.

Registeel is found in the Ancient Tomb in the Generation III games, and, like the other two Regis, a puzzle must be solved before it can be reached. Its location in Pokémon Platinum is the Iron Ruins.

Eon Pokémon

Latias and Latios

Latios and Latias (sometimes referred to, collectively, as Lati@s) are twin Dragons (one male, one female, respectively) featured in the fifth movie. Both can take the shape of humans. According to legend, they guard the water city of Alto Mare, and are revered as gods. They have a strong connection with the Soul Dew.

Latias, the female twin, is found in the wild after defeating the Elite Four in Pokémon Sapphire. She changes routes whenever the player does, and is considered as rare as the legendary beasts in Generation II. She can also be obtained in Ruby by using the Eon Ticket obtained from Nintendo Power. In Pokémon Emerald, when the player's mom asks about a TV program after the Elite Four, she appears as in Sapphire if the player chooses Red, and as in Ruby if the player chooses Blue.

Latios, the male twin, is found in the wild after defeating the Elite Four in Pokémon Ruby. He is considered as rare as the legendary beasts in Generation II due to the similar route-changing activities that he shares with them and Latias. He can also be obtained in Pokémon Sapphire by using the Eon Ticket obtained from Nintendo Power. In Pokémon Emerald, when the player's mom asks about a TV program after the Elite Four, he appears as in Ruby if the player chooses Blue, and as in Sapphire if the player chooses Red.

Super-ancient Pokémon

A depiction of the cataclysmic battle between Groudon, Kyogre and Rayquaza

The weather-related legendary Pokémon represent the balance of nature and play a major role in the storyline of the Hoenn-based Generation III games. It is said that, at the beginning of time, Groudon raised lands and expanded continents as Kyogre expanded the seas. These Pokémon took to sleep after a cataclysmic battle, soothed by Rayquaza.

Other legendary Pokémon

Jirachi is the legendary wish-granting Pokémon who was available from Pokémon Colosseum's bonus disk in North America and available within Pokémon Channel in the UK, Europe and Australia (PAL Encoded Regions). It is likened to Mew and Celebi. Jirachi is the star of the sixth movie.

Legendary dragons

The three Pokémon Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina are the mascots for Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum and have the ability to warp the fabric of reality. Birthed from Arceus to create matter, they battle for all of eternity in a different dimension. Dialga and Palkia were featured in the tenth movie, and Giratina was featured in the eleventh movie. All three are expected to have their final confrontation in the twelfth movie.

/Giratina controls antimatter, the antithesis to the material world created by Dialga and Palkia together.

Depending on the game version, Team Galactic will try to gain control of one using the power of the lake trio. Their goal is to use their power to destroy the universe and rebuild it with Cyrus as a god.

Other legendary Pokémon

Manaphy is referred to as the "Prince of the Sea." It must be hatched from an egg, which can only be done in warm regions according the the ranger games, and has the power to swap the hearts of people and Pokémon, putting them into different bodies. It was featured in the ninth movie, where it had the ability to locate the temple of the sea.

Phione is the result of breeding Manaphy (or another Phione) with Ditto, and is the only legendary to be obtained in such a manner. Until recently, its status was heavily debated; however, Pokémon.com revealed that Phione is a legendary.

Regigigas is the Normal-type Regi that can be found only when the three other Regis are reunited. It is said that they moved the continents into place by pulling them on a rope. A Regigigas was awakened in the eleventh movie. In Pokémon Platinum it is stated that it had shaped itself from an iceberg, rocks, and magma.

Heatran is a dual-type Fire/Steel Pokémon that can be found in Stark Mountain. It was born from the flames of a volcano when Dialga, Palkia and their relatives first created the universe. The lava and magma pooled together to become the first living Heatran, and later, Stark Mountain, their home. In Pokémon Ranger:Shadows of Almia it's a guardian of a prince tear. It is also the first legendary Pokémon that can be either male or female. A Heatran will appear in the twelfth movie.

/Shaymin is the Gratitude Pokémon that curls up in flower-beds and often goes unnoticed. It has the ability to instantly purify an area of all pollutants and transform it into a flowery field. It can transform into another Forme. Shaymin and its Sky Forme were featured in the eleventh movie. Many Shaymin appeared in the film, as well in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of the Sky, confirming that the Shaymin species is more common than that of other legendary species. If the player has Oak's Letter, Flower Paradise, where Shaymin is located, can be accessed after their thanks are expressed at the white rock on Route 224.

Arceus is the creation Pokémon said to have been born from an egg in the nothingness of space. It created matter (time and space) and spirit (knowledge, emotion and will) before falling into eternal slumber. It can be awoken by playing the Azure Flute at the peak of Mt. Coronet. Arceus appears in the twelfth movie.

Other Pokémon of myth

The fierceness and destructive nature of Gyarados is described in the Pokédex as a thing of legend as is the seemingly complementary beauty and calming ability of Milotic.

When facing Rotom, the music is the same as when facing a legendary Pokémon. It, along with the legendary Giratina and Shaymin, has also received new forms in Platinum.

Unown are a mysterious species of Pokémon based on the Latin alphabet. Professor Oak referred to them as legendary, probably because they were featured heavily in ancient myths and legends and because they can display large amounts of otherworldly power in swarms. Also, like legendaries, they cannot breed. In the anime, they appear to live in the same dimension as Dialga and Palkia.

The pseudo-legendary, Dragon-like Pokémon Dragonite, Tyranitar, Salamence are usually placed within the "legendary" section of a regional Pokédex, and are so extraordinarily rare and powerful that they are often mentioned in lists of legendary Pokémon. Metagross and Garchomp are also considered "pseudo-legendary", due to their stats, and Metagross is even placed within the same section of the Hoenn Pokédex as Salamence.

Like Arcanine, Ninetales is considered a legendary Pokémon due to it being elusive, incredibly long-lived, and possessing the ability to cast powerful curses against anyone that touches its tails. This is specifically mentioned in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon.

Lucario and its master Sir Aaron were forever revered because of their help pacifying an ancient battle, as seen in the eighth movie. In Pokémon Mystery Dungeon, a Lucario was regarded as a legendary Rescue Team Leader in the distant past, and "Lucario Rank" is the highest attainable team rank in the game. In Pokémon Ranger:Shadows of Almia he is the only non-legendary guardian of a prince tear. Also, in the opening of the Diamond and Pearl theme song, Lucario appears beside Dialga and Palkia.

Togepi and its evolutions are incredibly rare and bring joy wherever they go. In A Togepi Mirage! Togepi is referred to as a savior.

Mew features a theme specific to itself in Pokémon Emerald, and despite being found in the wild only in a Hoenn-based game, it is yet another remix of the standard wild Pokémon encounter in Kanto.

In Pokémon Gold and Silver, Raikou, Entei, and Suicune featured the standard wild Pokémon encounter music of Johto, however, in Pokémon Crystal, this was changed to a theme specific to themselves. When they are encountered in FireRed and LeafGreen, they use the standard legendary battle theme shared with the legendary birds.

Lugia, Ho-Oh, and Celebi have only featured the standard wild Pokémon battle music when they are encountered.

According to interviews with Junichi Masuda in 2009, legendary Pokémon are the most difficult to design names for because GameFreak strives to make sure that the names of legendary Pokémon are universal across the different translations, so extra work must be put into their names to make sure that they work universally in all languages and don't conflict with anything else. This is consistent with the relatively small amount of legendaries who have had their names changed outside of Japan (a current number of six, the legendary birds and lake trio).